Carry Bag that Holds and Displays Matching Fashion Accessories

ABSTRACT

A fashion coordinated carry bag assembly that includes a main bag and a pocket extension. The pocket extension can be a separate smaller bag or an integrated extension of the main bag. The main bag and the pocket extension both have access openings. Straps are disposed at one or both of the access openings. The straps are used to secure fashion accessories to the carry bag assembly. The fashion accessories have decorative elements that remain visible when the fashion accessories are attached to the carry bad assembly. Accordingly, when the fashion accessories are attached to the carry bag assembly, the decorative elements appear to be part of the overall carry bag assembly. When the fashion accessories are detached from the carry bag assembly, each fashion accessory can be worn separately, therein creating a fashion coordinated ensemble.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/305,247, filed Jan. 31, 2022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention

In general, the present invention relates to the structure of carrybags, such as backpacks, book bags and handbags, that are carried bychildren and adults. More particularly, the present invention relates tocarry bags with removable accessories that are designed to selectivelyattach to, and detach from, the carry bag.

2. Prior Art Description

There are many types of carry bags that are carried by children andadults. For example, children often carry backpacks to school. Adultscarry a wide variety of handbags, shoulder bags, satchels, and backpacksin many shapes and sizes. Since the carry bag is visible when carried,the carry bag has become subject to fashion. Accordingly, fashion-mindedindividuals want the carry bag itself to be fashionable and the carrybag must fit into the overall fashion ensemble of the individualcarrying the bag. It is for this reason that fashion-minded individualsoften match the carry bag with other accessories, such as a belt or ahair band.

In order to match accessories with a carry bag, accessories thatcomplement the carry bag must be located and purchased. This is notalways a simple task. Many carry bags have complex fashion themes and/orcolor schemes. Accordingly, finding complementary accessories becomesdifficult. This is especially true for children since the amount offashionable accessories available in the children’s market is highlylimited.

The present invention is a carry bag system where fashion accessoriesare temporarily attached to the carry bag. The full assembly is thensold as a complete set. The fashion accessories remain visible whenattached to the carry bag. However, the fashion accessories complementthe fashion theme of the carry bag and appear to be design elementsintegrated into the carry bag. When the fashion accessories are removedfrom the carry bag, the fashion accessories can be worn by the owner ofthe bag. Since the fashion accessories are specifically designed tocomplement the fashion theme of the carry bag, the accessories and carrybag complete a fully fashion coordinated ensemble.

The details of the present invention carry bag system are described andclaimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a fashion coordinated carry bag assembly thatincludes a main bag and a pocket extension. The pocket extension can bea separate smaller bag or an integrated extension of the main bag. Themain bag and the pocket extension both have access openings. Straps aredisposed at one or both of the access openings. The straps are used tosecure fashion accessories to the carry bag assembly. The fashionaccessories have decorative elements that remain visible when thefashion accessories are attached to the carry bad assembly. Accordingly,when the fashion accessories are attached to the carry bag assembly, thedecorative elements appear to be part of the overall carry bag assembly.

Other fashion accessories, such as belts, hair clips, hair bands andhats can also be attached to the carry bag assembly at different points.The fashion theme of the fashion accessories match that of the overallcarry bag. Accordingly, each fashion accessory appears to be part of thecarry bag when attached to the carry bag. When the fashion accessoriesare detached from the carry bag assembly, each fashion accessory can beworn separately, therein creating a fashion coordinated ensemble.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof,considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a carrybag assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a carry bag assembly;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a third exemplary embodiment of a carry bagassembly;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 ;and

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of acarry bag assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention carry bag system can be embodied in manyways, only a few exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplaryembodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation anddescription. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to setforth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. Theillustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not beconsidered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appendedclaims.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a first assembly 10 is shown thatincludes a carry bag 12 and a plurality of fashion accessories 14. Inthe shown embodiment, the carry bag 12 is formed as a backpack. Thecarry bag 12 has exterior surfaces 16 that may contain graphics,designs, color schemes, and/or other features in a particular fashiontheme. As will be explained, the carry bag 12 is specifically designedto both hold and display one or more of the fashion accessories 14. Thefashion accessories 14 have the same fashion theme as the carry bag 12and/or complements the fashion theme of the carry bag 12. The fashionaccessories 14 illustrated show a headband 50 and a decorative belt 104.However, other fashion accessories, such as costume jewelry, hair clips,hats, and/or wrist bands can also be included.

The carry bag 12 has a main bag 20 that defines a large compartment. Themain bag 20 has a front surface 22, a rear surface 24, a top surface 28,a bottom surface 29, and side surfaces 26 join the front surface 22 tothe rear surface 24. The top surface 28 has an access opening 30 with azippered closure 32 for selectively accessing the main bag 20.

Shoulder straps 34 are attached to the rear surface 24 of the main bag20. In this manner, the rear surface 24 of the main bag 20 will layagainst a wearer’s back when the shoulder straps 34 are used to wear thecarry bag 12.

A pocket extension 36 is provided on the front surface 22 of the mainbag 20. The pocket extension 36 is smaller than the main bag 20 and canbe either attached to the main bag 20 or separate and distinct from themain bag 20. The pocket extension 36 has a front surface 37 and a topsurface 39. The presence of the top surface 39 on the pocket extension36 forms a ledge 38 where the top surface 39 meets the front surface 22of the main bag 20. An access opening 41 is formed in the top surface 39of the pocket extension 36. The access opening 41 provides access to theinterior compartment 42 within the pocket extension 36. The accessopening 41 can be an open slot or can contain a closure, such as thezipper closure 43 illustrated.

Two retention straps 40 are contained within the pocket extension 36.Each retention strap 40 has a first end 44 that is sewn to the pocketextension 36 within the interior compartment 42. Likewise, eachretention strap 40 has a free end 46 that includes a snap or othermechanical fastener 48. Mating fasteners 49 are mounted within theinterior compartment 42. In this manner, the free ends 46 of theretention straps 40 can be connected to the mating fasteners 49. Thisforms the retention straps 40 into loops that can be large enough toextend out of the pocket extension 36.

The fashion accessories 14 include one or more headbands 50. Theheadbands 50 have a curved band of plastic 52 and decorative elements54. The curved band of plastic 52 can stretch to some degree so that theheadband 50 can be comfortably worn on a wearer’s head. The accessopening 41 on the top surface 39 of the pocket extension 36 is sized toaccommodate the curved band of plastic 52 on the headband 50. The curvedband of plastic 52 extends into the pocket extension 36 while thefashion features remain outside the pocket extension 36. In thisposition, the decorative elements 54 appear to be part of the topsurface 39 of the pocket extension 36. The retention straps 40 hold theheadband 50 in this position and prevent the headband 50 frominadvertently falling out of the pocket extension 36. The retentionstraps 40 pass around the headband 50 and the free ends 46 of theretention straps 40 are connected to the mating fasteners 49 inside thepocket extension 36. To remove the headband 50, a user detaches the freeends 46 of the retention straps 40 to free the headband 50. The curvedband of plastic 52 is then pulled out of the pocket extension 36.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , both ends 44, 46 of theretention strap 40 are attached inside the pocket extension 36. However,this need not be the case. Referring to FIG. 3 , an alternate embodimentof an assembly 60 is shown that has a different pocket extension 62. Inthis assembly 60, the pocket extension 62 has an open top 64. The opentop 64 can be prevented from fully opening by the use of two retentionstraps 66. In this assembly 60, the retention straps 66 are decorativeand are made from the same material as is the pocket extension 62. Eachretention strap 66 has a first end (not shown) that is sewn into place.A second free end 68 can extend beyond the open top 64 and can overlapthe front surface 69 of the pocket extension 62. The free ends 68 canselectively attach to the front surface 69 of the pocket extension 62with mechanical fasteners 67. The retention straps 66 can be looped overthe headband 50, therein holding or retaining the headband 50 in thepocket extension 62.

The use of the retention straps to hold a headband within a pocketextension can also be used to attach a headband 50 to a slot pocket.Referring to FIG. 4 , an assembly 70 is shown where a carry bag 72 has afront surface 74 and a rear surface 76. The rear surface 76 isessentially flat. A pocket 78 is provided on the rear surface 76. Thepocket 78 is flat and is accessible through a slot opening 80. Thepocket 78 can be opened wide enough to receive the curved band ofplastic 52 from the headband 50. Retention straps 82 are provided withinthe pocket 78 just below the slot opening 80. The retention straps 82have free ends 84 that can be looped around the headband 50, thereinholding the headband 50 in place. Once anchored in place, the decorativeelements 54 of the headband 50 extend from the slot opening 80 andappear to be a decoration that is integrated into the rear surface 76and/or the top surface 94 of the carry bag 72.

Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 4 , it can be seen that asecond set of retention straps 86 can be used at alternate locations onthe carry bag 72 to retain other fashion accessories. In the shownembodiment, a hat accessory 88 is shown. The hat accessory 88 has afoldable cap 90 and decorative features 92 that extend from the foldablecap 90. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, the front surface 74 ofthe carry bag 72 has a convex shape. The carry bag 72 has a top surface94 with an access opening 96. The retention straps 86 are disposedwithin the carry bag 72 just below the access opening 96. The retentionstraps 86 each have a first end that is sewn in place and an oppositefree end 100.

The cap 90 of the hat accessory 88 can be folded against the convexfront surface 74 of the carry bag 72. Once in this position, theretention straps 86 can be looped around the decorative features 92,therein joining the hat accessory 88 to the carry bag 72.

Returning to the assembly 10 of FIG. 1 , it will be understood thatmechanical fasteners 102 can be provided on the side surfaces 26 of thecarry bag 12. The mechanical fasteners 102 can be used to attach otherfashion accessories 14 to the carry bag 12. The fashion accessories 14can also include one or more belts or belt-like straps 104. Each belt104 can contain decorative elements 108. In the illustrated embodiment,only one belt 104 is shown. The belt 104 can be sized to fit the waistof a wearer. The belt 104 is wrapped around the carry bag 12. Smallerbelts can be wrapped around the carry bag 12 above the pocket extension36. As such, the ledge 38 between the main bag 20 and the pocketextension 36 will prevent the belt 104 from falling. Larger belts 46 canbe wrapped around the main bag 20 and the pocket extension 36, as isshown. The belt 104 can have loops, holes, or mating connectors 110 thatengage the mechanical fasteners 102 on the side surfaces 26 of the carrybag 12. This connects the belt 104 to the carry bag 12. This preventsthe belt 104 from inadvertently slipping and provides the appearancethat the belt 104 is a structural part of the carry bag 72.

In embodiments in which the pocket extension 36 is removable from thefirst assembly 10, the pocket extension 36 may include loops attached toits rear surface (not illustrated). The belt 104 may removably attachthe pocket extension 36 to the carry bag 12 through the loops on therear face of the pocket extension 36. The free ends of belt 104 can beremovably fastened to mechanical fasteners 102.

The mechanical fasteners 102 on the side surfaces 26 of the carry bag 72can be used to connect other accessories in addition to, or in place of,the pocket extension 36. Referring to FIG. 6 , an alternate assembly 112is shown. In this embodiment, there is a main bag 114. The main bag 114has a front surface 116 and side surfaces 118. Mechanical fasteners 120are present on the side surfaces 118. A second and distinct extensionbag 122 is provided. The extension bag 122 has a rear surface 124 andside surfaces 126. Connector strips 128 extend from the side surfaces126 or the rear surface 124 of the extension bag 122. The connectorstraps 128 have grommet holes or mating fasteners 130 that interconnectwith the mechanical fasteners 120 on the side surfaces 126 of the mainbag 114. This joins the extension bag 122 to the main bag 114, whereinthe rear surface 124 of the extension bag 122 abuts against the frontsurface 116 of the main bag 114. When connected in this manner, theextension bag 122 appears to be an integral part of the main bag 114.

However, the extension bag 122 can be selectively detached from the mainbag 114. The connector straps 128 can then be connected to a shoulderstrap or belt that is stored in or on the main bag 114. In this manner,the main bag 114 can be carried alone, the extension bag 122 can becarried alone, or the two bags 114, 122 can be carried together as anassembly.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention thatare illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments.Features from different embodiments can be mixed and matched in mannersnot illustrated. All such embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fashion coordinated carry bag assembly,comprising: a main bag having a front surface, side surfaces and a topsurface; a pocket extension disposed on said front surface of said mainbag, wherein said pocket extension has an access opening formed therein;straps, wherein each of said straps can be selectively formed into aloop; a headband having decorative elements that extend from a band,wherein said band is received within said access opening of said pocketextension while said decorative elements extend out of said accessopening, and wherein said headband is selectively held in place by saidstraps extending from said pocket extension.
 2. The carry bag assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said pocket extension is a secondary bagthat can be selectively detached from said main bag.
 3. The carry bagassembly according to claim 1, wherein said main bag has an opening onsaid top surface for accessing said main bag, wherein a second set ofstraps is present at said opening for holding fashion accessoriespartially in said main bag.
 4. The carry bag assembly according to claim1, further including a hat and a second set of straps on said main bagfor joining said hat to said main bag.
 5. The carry bag assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein said main bag has a convex surface andsaid hat conforms to said convex surface when joined to said main bag.6. The carry bag assembly according to claim 1, further including abelt, wherein said belt is selectively attached to said side surface ofsaid main bag with detachable fasteners.
 7. The carry bag assemblyaccording to claim 6, wherein said belt extends around said main bag andsaid pocket extension.
 8. A fashion coordinated assembly, comprising: acarry bag; detachable fashion accessories that connect to said carrybag, wherein each of said fashion accessories has decorative elementsthat remain visible on said carry bag when attached to said carry bag.9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein said fashion accessoriesare selected from a group consisting of headbands, belts, and hats. 10.The assembly according to claim 8, wherein said carry bag includes amain bag with a front pocket extension, wherein said front packetextension has an access opening and at least one of said fashionaccessories is partially received within said access opening.
 11. Theassembly according to claim 10, further including straps for retainingsaid at least one of said fashion accessories partially within saidaccess opening.
 12. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein saidcarry bag includes a main bag having a front surface, side surfaces anda top surface.
 13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein saidcarry bag includes a secondary bag that is separate and distinct fromsaid main bag, wherein said secondary bag is removably attached to saidmain bag.
 14. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said main baghas an opening on said top surface for accessing said main bag, whereina set of straps is present at said opening for holding one of saiddetachable fashion accessories partially in said main bag.
 15. Theassembly according to claim 12, further including a hat and a set ofstraps on said main bag for joining said hat to said main bag.
 16. Theassembly according to claim 15, wherein said main bag has a convexsurface and said hat conforms to said convex surface when joined to saidmain bag.
 17. The assembly according to claim 12, further including abelt, wherein said belt is selectively attached to said side surface ofsaid main bag with detachable fasteners.
 18. A fashion coordinated carrybag assembly, comprising: a main bag having a front surface, sidesurfaces and a top surface; a detachable secondary bag abutting againstsaid front surface of said main bag, wherein said secondary bag has anaccess opening; a detachable fashion accessory that connects to saidsecondary bag at said access opening.
 19. The carry bag assemblyaccording to claim 18, further including straps for retaining saiddetachable fashion accessory at said access opening.